2019
SPAN News - August 2019
SPAN - the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia - is a regional coalition of the Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax-Falls Church, Loudoun, and Prince William Community Services Boards (CSBs) and other groups in Northern Virginia, all working together to raise awareness and share resources to prevent suicide.
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I N THIS EDITION :

  • September 9 Advisory Council Meeting
  • Webinar Series - Veteran Suicide Prevention
  • Youth Making a Difference
  • Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Walk
  • SPAN Staff Position Available
  • October 31 Regional Suicide Prevention Forum
  • Free Locking Devices for Medications and Firearms
  • In the News
  • Have News to Share?

The Next SPAN Advisory Council Meeting

September 9, 2019 6:30-8:30 pm,
Merrifield Center Room 3-409a - 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr. Fairfax

All are welcome at this quarterly meeting.

Guest Speaker Topic:
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America launched the Be SMART campaign to raise awareness that responsible gun storage – storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition – can save children’s lives. Be SMART emphasizes that it’s an adult responsibility to keep kids from accessing guns, and that every adult can play a role in keeping kids and communities safer . For more information about Be SMART


 Webinar Series to Strengthen Veteran Suicide Prevention Efforts

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is launching a new webinar series of interactive audiovisual presentations designed for VA partners, VA employees and subject matter experts, as well as anyone who supports VA’s suicide prevention program and partnerships.
 
Each one-hour webinar will feature a suicide prevention topic and provide resources to support your local efforts to prevent Veteran suicide.

Thursday, August 8, 2–3 p.m.
September Is Suicide Prevention Month – Let’s Prepare!
 
Thursday, September 5, 2–3 p.m.
How Safe Firearm Storage Can Prevent Veteran Suicide
 
Thursday, October 3, 2–3 p.m.
Supporting Veterans in Finding Civilian Employment Can Reduce Suicide Risk
 
Thursday, November 7, 2–3 p.m.
Caring for Those Who Care for Military Families and Veterans
 
For more information:
Aimee Johnson, LCSW, Program Specialist, Public Private Partnerships
VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Aimee.Johnson@va.gov
 
Youth Making a Difference
SPAN funded youth projects

We Are With You

This amazing group of youth leaders provided a mental health stigma project entitled “We Are With You” to after-school program participants at the Southgate Community Center. 

The purpose of this project was to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Their project aimed to not only improve self-confidence and self-esteem, but to also provide these young people with the tools needed to provide support to their peers. 

While doing this they discussed topics like stress, conflict, and anxiety in an effort to challenge negative stereotypes. 

The youth leaders involved performed research to plan for each topic covered. They also prepared the supplies and materials for each activity and were instrumental in implementing all of the activities covered in their program.







2019 Law Enforcement Suicide
Awareness Walk

September 28, 2019

SPAN is co-sponsoring this walk to be held in
Haymarket, VA. For More Info

SPAN Staff Position Available

This position is 8 hours per week and provides staff support to the SPAN Executive Board and Advisory Council. Tasks include arranging and summarizing meetings, developing SPAN News, coordinating updates to the SPAN webpage, and coordinating submission of SPAN reports to the State. This position is located in Merrifield, Fairfax County. No benefits. Contact for more information

 Free Locking Devices for Medications and Firearms

Lock and Talk is a safe storage program. Limiting access to firearms and poisons for a person in crisis is an essential strategy for preventing suicide.The suicide prevention program in each Community Services Board (CSB) offers free locking devices for guns and medication. To obtain trigger and cable locks for guns and locking pill bottles and medication boxes, contact your local CSB in Fairfax, Loudoun, City of Alexandria, Arlington and Prince William County. For more information

In the News

Isolated And Struggling, Many Seniors Are Turning To Suicide

The golden years are thought to be a well-earned, carefree time in life. But adults 65 and older now account for almost 1 in 5 suicides in America.
Read in NPR Shared from Apple News


Have News to SHARE?

Suicide prevention agencies and non-profits: send items to SPAN staff
by August 26 for the September SPAN News .